Madeleine Cruise is an emerging artist who creates sensational objects and abstract images that explore emotional experience in contemporary life. Driven by a desire to make complex situations tangible, her work investigates such themes as sexuality, relationships and social status, within a personal and broader social context. In a creative process that explores material equivalents between painting and sculpture, Madeleine creates immersive sensual and tactile environments for contemplation.

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Glorious Descent

Acrylic on canvas 60 x 40cm

Monday, October 14, 2013

Paintings from a European Summer

I have recently returned to Australia from a European Summer of painting and discovery. Over the past three months I have travelled through France, The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. Immersing myself in new landscapes and absorbing the fragrances, colours, flavours and values of a diverse number of cultures. Partaking in a 'friend pilgrimage' of sorts, I had the privilege of reuniting with old friends in Paris, London, Munich and Chur. With whom I gained an intimate knowledge of their cultural identity and forged ever stronger relationships. My love for history and landscape also guided my travel route, taking me to the origin of some of my favourite paintings. In places like Holland and the south of France I gained a greater appreciation for the context of revered artworks and the careers of those famous artists who have been like absent friends to me during my years of study.

And so I will begin by sharing a watercolour and pencil work made during my time in Arles.

Artist Profile

Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Madeleine Cruise studied painting at the National Art School Sydney as a student of the Reg Row art Scholarship, graduating in 2009 with first class honours and the Fraser residency prize. Her continued studio practice has been supported through residencies with First Draft, The Bundanon Trust, The Banff Centre and Marrickville Garage. Madeleine has exhibited in solo and group shows in Australia and Canada and has been a finalist in the Waterhouse, Mosman and NSW Parliament en plein air art Prizes. In 2013 Madeleine co founded NANA contemporary art space in Newcastle, a not for profit art gallery that she directed for three years. Madeleine is part of public and private art collections in Australia and Canada including Artbank Australia.